Talented Childhood Cancer Advocate heads to the Tamworth Country Music Festival!

14/01/2016

The Tamworth Musical Festival starts this week and one young performer stands out in the crowd.

Keely Johnson, aged 17, is an energetic and enthusiastic young woman with many talents including writing and performing country and western music. Originally from Townsville and now living in Ayr Queensland, Keely is busking at Tamworth and has already achieved so much for someone her age.

Diagnosed with a rare cancer called Central Nervous System (CNS) Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) in 2014, Keely is not only battling her own disease but is a passionate advocate of childhood cancer research and childhood cancer support services.

Keely is well known to be performing at the local Ayr markets at 5am donating one hundred percent of her earnings to a variety of childhood cancer causes. Keely also established a charity, The Golden Octopus Foundation, in 2015 which country musician Lee Kernaghan is an ambassador of.

Col Reynolds, Founder and Director of The Kids’ Cancer Project met Keely in September 2015, “Keely is an exceptional young lady, who’s gone through the worst of times but has found it in her heart to help other sick children.

“I am in awe of her efforts to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer, I am honestly humbled by her energy and tenacity for life! Sending her every success at Tamworth and I know she will enjoy every minute in Tamworth,” said Col.

Langerhans cells are a type of white blood cell that normally help the body fight infection. LCH occurs when the body accumulates too many immature Langerhans cells, this build up in certain parts of the body can form tumours and or damage organs.